Jeremy Fears Leads Balanced Michigan State Attack in Statement Win Over Washington
Michigan State made its first trip to Seattle since 1957, and they didn’t come just for the scenery. The No. 12 Spartans rolled into town and rolled right over Washington, putting together one of their most complete performances of the season in an 80-63 win that showcased not just talent, but toughness and team-first basketball.
Coming off a 21-point win over Indiana, Michigan State was riding momentum. Washington, meanwhile, was looking to recover after a close loss to Michigan. But once the ball tipped, it was clear the Spartans weren’t interested in letting the Huskies get back on track.
First Half: Depth, Defense, and Hustle Set the Tone
You could hear the “Go Green, Go White” chants echoing through the arena early, and the Spartans gave their traveling fans plenty to cheer about.
The opening minutes were a battle of the bigs. Both teams tried to feed their frontcourts, testing each other’s size and timing.
Whether it was Hannes Steinbach, Jaxon Kohler, or Carson Cooper, Michigan State’s big men looked like they were built in a lab for this kind of game - long, athletic, and active. Cooper, in particular, stood out early.
He knocked down a pair of midrange jumpers with the kind of confidence that stretches a defense and opens up the floor for everyone else.
But the real spark came from the bench.
Kur Teng, who’s been carving out a reputation as one of the most impactful sixth men in the Big Ten, lit the fuse with back-to-back threes that broke open a tight game. That 10-0 run turned a 13-13 tie into a 21-13 lead and gave the Spartans control they wouldn’t relinquish.
What made the first half so impressive wasn’t just the scoring - it was where it came from. Against Indiana, Fears and Kohler combined for the first 17 points.
This time, they had just seven of the first 36. That’s the kind of balance that makes this team dangerous.
There was a sequence that summed up the Spartans' identity in one possession. Cooper missed a long two.
Coen Carr skied over two defenders for the offensive rebound. The ball kicked out, another three missed, but Teng chased it down again and found Jesse McCulloch, who buried the shot.
That’s not just effort - that’s culture. That’s a team that doesn’t stop moving, doesn’t stop believing, and doesn’t care who gets the credit.
By halftime, Michigan State had built a 39-31 lead. Washington made a late push off a few Spartan turnovers, but the tone had already been set.
Second Half: Fears Takes Over, Spartans Slam the Door
The second half opened with a sight that could have long-term implications: Coen Carr calmly drilling a three. Teams have dared him to shoot from distance all season, and if he starts hitting those, Michigan State’s offense gets even more dynamic.
But things didn’t stay smooth for long. The Spartans hit a lull early in the half.
Kohler couldn’t get going, and Washington’s defense started to tighten the screws. The Huskies cut the lead to five and looked like they might make it a game.
That’s when Jeremy Fears stepped in.
The freshman point guard - coming off a career-high 23-point game - didn’t try to do too much. He just kept attacking the paint, drawing contact, and getting to the line.
Those free throws weren’t flashy, but they were stabilizing. And once the Spartans caught their breath, they went back to work.
The rebounding was relentless. With eight minutes to go, Michigan State had won the offensive glass 11-1.
That kind of effort doesn’t just earn second chances - it breaks opponents. The Spartans stretched the lead to 15, and from there, it was all but over.
The final minutes felt like a celebration. The chants returned, the bench stayed engaged, and Michigan State closed out the kind of road win that builds confidence and chemistry.
Fears Continues to Shine, But It’s a Team Statement
Jeremy Fears followed up his breakout performance with another gem - 19 points and arguably his best defensive game of the season. He’s not just playing like a star; he’s playing like a leader. And with each game, he’s making a stronger case as one of the best players in the Big Ten.
But this wasn’t a one-man show.
Kohler chipped in seven points and seven boards. Cooper added 10 and six.
Carr brought his usual high-flying energy (including his signature dunk) and finished with six points. Teng scored 11 off the bench, and Cam Ward added six points and seven rebounds in a quietly impactful performance.
This was Michigan State at its most complete - not relying on one or two stars, but getting contributions across the board. It’s the kind of win that travels.
The kind of win that matters in March. And the kind of win that reminds the rest of the conference: the Spartans are deep, disciplined, and just getting started.